Morocco expresses solidarity with Tunisian people

20:49, January 17, 2011

Morocco, which has followed closely the ongoing events in Tunisia, expressed "deep solidarity" with the people in the North African country.

"Morocco hopes that Tunisia will overcome these events through solidarity and unity to preserve the achievements of the Tunisian people and attain civil peace," said a foreign ministry statement published by the state-run MAP news agency.

"The stability of this country is essential and fundamental to regional security and stability, particularly in the Maghreb region," added the statement.

Ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power since 1987, fled to Saudi Arabia on Friday following mass protests against his government over unemployment, price hike and corruption.